The Best Window Unit Air Conditioners The season for sweating is just around the corner, which means many of us will be looking to add an air conditioner. Now's the advisable time to pick one up, before retailers sell out during the apex of summer. New home goods review site, The Sweethome, has an exhaustive roundup and recommendations... The Sweethome narrowed their list of air conditioners units from thirty down to four 8,000 BTU units and three 12,000 BTU units, from LG, Frigidaire, Sunpentown, Friedrich, and Kenmore. Each was rated by the following  Ease of InstallationEase of UseAirflow ControlEase of MaintenanceCooling PowerPower UsageNoise LevelA very interesting note discovered during their  there was very little difference in the speed at which 8,000 BTU and 12,000 BTU air conditioners cooled down a room. So don't overspend on a larger unit in the hopes it will cool down a smaller room faster, you're just wasting energy. If you need help determining the size, direct yourself over to Haier's AC SmartSelector page:

Their final recommendations: for spaces up to 450 square feet in size, the modestly priced $239.00 Frigidaire FRA086AT7 hits all the marks for price, power, efficiency, ease of use, and features. The 8,000 BTU unit also comes with a remote, always a plus when it comes to controlling cooling or heating from the comforts of a bed or couch.Those with larger spaces around 550 square feet are recommended the step-up 12,000 BTU model, the Frigidaire FRA126CT1, available for just a little bit more, at $298.00 online.Pages of more information about what to look for when shopping for a window air conditioner, including additional notes about specific models, over at The Sweethome.Summer is only getting hotter, and you may have noticed that the box fan next to your bed just isn’t cutting it anymore. Either way, if you don’t already have air conditioning in your apartment, now is the time to install a window unit. Compared to central air, window units are relatively inexpensive, and definitely worth the investment.

If this is your first time buying a window air conditioner, make sure to measure the window you plan to put it in-- air conditioners come in many different sizes. Also keep in mind that a north-facing window will provide better airflow. Make sure that the window is close to a grounded 3-prong outlet, or buy an extension cord made specifically for air conditioners. 5 ton hvac system pricesAnything else could overload your circuit.hvac blower motor parts When selecting a unit, remember that more space means you’ll want an AC with a higher BTU. raising ac unitIf the unit is not as wide as the window, make sure it has side panels that can extend on both sides to cover up the gaps. Before you prepare to install the unit, check your lease. Some management companies require window units to be professionally installed.

If that’s the case, and this is your first time buying a window AC, consider purchasing it from somewhere that offers free installation. Make sure you have a friend helping you install the unit to lessen the chance of an accident. These things can be pretty heavy. The only thing worse than your AC falling out of your window, is your AC falling on you. Remember that you won’t be able to open that window once the unit is installed. So, if you notice that the outside of the glass is looking a little dirty, whip out the glass cleaner and paper towels, and get washing. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at that unsightly dirt until September. While it may seem daunting, AC installation can be simple as long as you are prepared. Once it's in, you'll never know how you lived without it. Have you ever installed your own window air conditioner? Share your experience with us in the comments!Landlords must give written permission to allow air conditioning to be installed. Air conditioners can make apartment living bearable, especially in hot climates or during the summer.

Whether an apartment can have an air conditioner depends on a variety of factors, such as local ordinances, the apartment lease agreement and the landlord. Before a tenant decides to rent an apartment with or without air conditioning, it's a good idea to become familiar with some of the landlord/tenant laws concerning installation and maintenance of air conditioners. Air Conditioners Not Required While some people may consider air conditioners a necessary item, California law considers them amenities. In other words, air conditioners are not required in rental properties to make them habitable. According to California Civil Code 1941, habitable rental units must have working gas, heat, electric and plumbing systems; sanitary conditions with adequate trash receptacles; working sink, toilet and tub or shower; fire and emergency exits; working smoke detectors and deadbolt locks on all outside doors. Air conditioning is not on the list of features that landlords must provide with an apartment, so tenants cannot force a landlord to put in an air conditioner.

Air Conditioner Installation Tenants cannot install an air conditioner in an apartment without written permission from the landlord. Most apartment leases will not allow tenants to make changes or improvements to the rental unit without the landlord's consent. This includes satellite dishes, security systems and air conditioners. Tenant improvements and alterations are considered damage to the existing property because they make structural changes or affect the appearance. The law allows the landlord to charge the tenant for the cost of repairs or restoration following an improper air conditioning installation. It is also a violation of the lease agreement and may result in eviction. If the landlord grants permission to the tenant to arrange for an air conditioner installation, the agreement should be made in writing to protect both parties. Air Conditioners in Lease Agreement Some apartments are advertised as including an air conditioner and the signed lease agreement includes air conditioning as part of the rental property.

Because a working air conditioner is part of the contract between tenant and landlord, the landlord is obligated to ensure the air conditioner is kept in working condition. Failure to make timely repairs to a broken air condition can make the landlord liable for damages. The tenant can take the landlord to court for violating the lease agreement. Air Conditioning Repair The landlord must repair air conditioners when they break due to normal wear and tear, acts of nature or other causes outside the tenant's control. A tenant must cover the cost of repairs to the air conditioner when the intentional or neglectful behavior by the tenant or the tenant's guests cause the damage. The tenant can either pay for repairs directly to the serviced technician or reimburse the landlord for repairs made, in these cases. References California Department of Consumer Affairs: Landlords' And Tenants' Responsibilities For Habitability And RepairsThe California Landlord's Law Book: Rights & Responsibilities by By Attorney Ralph Warner, David Brown, Ralph E. Warner, Attorney Janet Portman Photo Credits Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images Suggest a Correction